blue John

alternative bluejohn · alternative blue john · alternative blue-john · alternative blue-John · alternative Blue John

1. obsoleteuncountablebeveragesAfterwort, partially fermented wort.First known use 17th–19th c.
2. uncountableA semiprecious mineral mined in Derbyshire, a form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish colour.First known use 18th c.
3. USregionaluncountableSkimmed milk.First known use 19th c.

   Lee went up front to his icebox and brought back a jar of milk. The cream had been skimmed from it. I said, “This tastes like blue-john to me.”

   1968, Charles Portis, True Grit